All-Star Salazar could make start for Indians

The Cleveland Indians' makeshift rotation could receive a big boost in the World Series with the return of All-Star pitcher Danny Salazar.

The right-hander, out since September 9 with a strain to his right flexor musculature, is making progress in his throwing program, manager Terry Francona said on Friday.

And he did not dismiss the idea of having Salazar make a start.

"If Danny pitches and he pitches healthy and he's throwing the ball over the plate, we have a really good pitcher for however amount of innings he's built up for, which can potentially help us," Francona said, via MLB.com

Left off the postseason roster thus far, Salazar spent time rehabbing at the Indians' spring training facility in Arizona during the American League (AL) Division Series and joined the club in Toronto for a two-inning simulated game on Sunday.

"I think he's ready to pitch," Francona said, adding Salazar is scheduled to throw a simulated game this weekend at Progressive Field.

Salazar was 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA and 161 strikeouts this season, but struggled since the beginning of July, allowing 36 earned runs in 10 starts (7.36 ERA).